Bachelor of Arts Degree in Women's Studies approved for UH Manoa

KAPOLEI, Oʻahu - The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents voted at its monthly meeting this week to approve a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Women‘s Studies at UH Mānoa beginning in the Fall 2007 semester. Women‘s Studies has been a recognized field of study for undergraduates at Mānoa since the mid-1970s, but the BA degree has previously been offered through the Interdisciplinary Studies (formerly Liberal Studies) Program.

"For more than 30 years, our distinguished faculty in Women‘s Studies have been leaders in the field," said UH Mānoa Interim Chancellor Denise Konan. "Their scholarship and research are cited world-wide, and they are active contributors of time and expertise to the university and our community at large. This new degree program will further enhance the stature of the program and the institution as a whole."

Nearly two dozen students have graduated with a major in Women‘s Studies through the Interdisciplinary Studies program since 2000, and an additional 59 undergraduate certificates were awarded between 2000 and 2005. It is anticipated that enrollment in the new degree program will expand to 50 student majors within five years.

"Women‘s and gender issues intersect with virtually every aspect of people‘s personal and professional experiences and are a relevant subject for study across numerous academic disciplines," said Susan Hippensteele, Women‘s Studies Program Director. "We are pleased to have this acknowledgement from the Board that our program is on solid ground and of growing importance on the Mānoa campus."